Analysis of the impact of PHEVs on the electric power distribution network

As Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) take a greater share in the personal automobile market, their penetration levels may bring potential challenges to electric utility especially at the distribution level. This presentation focuses on the impacts of PHEVs on a residential distribution network with different charging strategies. In this context the distribution transformer loading with PHEVs is discussed and some possible demand management strategies are suggested. The hourly load curves seen by a distribution transformer when PHEVs are charged based on different charging strategies are also presented. Our analysis shows that charging PHEVs in a residential distribution network will create new load peaks for a distribution transformer, thus reducing its operating efficiency. Furthermore, allowing quick charge may result in overloading of a distribution transformer. Some demand management strategies are discussed which may help to alleviate the new load peaks caused by PHEV penetration.